One Person Died, Several Workers Injured In Lower Manhattan Parking Garage Collapse At Pace University Building
LOWER MANHATTAN, NEW YORK (April 18, 2023) – At least one person has died and several other people were injured in a Lower Manhattan parking garage collapse near Pace University building.
New York City police officials are saying that the incident took place around 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday. Several workers were hit by falling debris and became trapped on the upper floors of the parking garage.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collapse in order to help all of the victims. The building where the collapse took place is located at 57th Ann Street near Nassau Street and William Street.
Photos of the accident showed a number of cars fell onto lower levels of the parking garage following the collapse. Tragically, at least one person died in the collapse.
Several workers were seriously injured in the accident and taken to the hospital. The New York City Department of Buildings has issued an open hazard violation in 2008 after cracks in the concrete were discovered.
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Lower Manhattan Building Collapses
Despite many improvements in workplace safety standards, the construction industry is still plagued by a high number of injuries and fatalities. Accidents that involve being struck by objects are one of the categories of accident dubbed the “fatal four” by OSHA. The vast majority of roof collapses are totally preventable and due to lax safety protocols. There are a number of signs that a roof or building may be at risk of structural collapse.
- A buildings support pillars may have cracks.
- The support beams for a roof may be rusted due to water damage.
- Parts of a building may begin to sag before a structural collapse.
Many collapses take place during demolition projects. A construction superintendent must designate a “competent person” to oversee construction sites at all times active work occurs. Building owners and general contractors are typically held strictly liable for gravity related accidents under New York State Labor Law § 240/241. The statute protects workers that either fall or who are struck by falling objects.
A building owner or structural engineer could also be liable when a civilian is injured during a collapse. Building owners in New York have a legal responsibility to maintain their properties in a reasonably safe condition. This must be done for the protection of everyone on a property whose presence is reasonably foreseeable. A building may be in a dangerous condition if cracks are present in the structure’s frame. There are many steps that should be taken after any building collapse.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Work records should be examined.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- A personal injury attorney should be consulted.
The family of any person that is killed in a garage collapse may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Similarly, any person that is injured in such an accident could seek some measure of justice through a civil claim. Victims of building collapses tend to suffer very serious and costly injuries that keep them from working for extended periods of time. A personal injury attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A New York Building Collapse
We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of the person killed in this accident. It is our sincere hope that all of the other victims will be able to make a full recovery. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong.
Have you or someone that you care about been harmed in a Lower Manhattan garage collapse? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of personal injury attorneys are here for you. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support we may be able to help. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
